4- Living With Bipolar Disorder | My Life With

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcCBacPWLrc

Correct Answer: C. Presence of full manic episodes

Explanation:
Bipolar I disorder is defined by the presence of at least one full manic episode, which may require hospitalization or cause marked impairment. Bipolar II involves hypomania, which is less severe and does not include full mania. Both types can include depression.

Which feature most clearly distinguishes Bipolar I disorder from Bipolar II disorder?

A. Presence of depressive episodes
B. Presence of hypomanic episodes
C. Presence of full manic episodes
D. Rapid cycling between moods

Correct Answer: C. Decreased need for sleep with grandiosity

Explanation:
Mania often includes little or no need for sleep, fast talking, racing thoughts, and grandiose beliefs (e.g., feeling like a superhero), all of which were explicitly described.

Which of the following symptoms is most characteristic of a manic episode as described in the passage?

A. Sleeping excessively and feeling empty
B. Feeling hopeless with slowed speech
C. Decreased need for sleep with grandiosity
D. Persistent anxiety without mood changes

Correct Answer: C. It can worsen or trigger manic symptoms

Explanation:
In bipolar disorder, antidepressants—when used without a mood stabilizer—can trigger mania or rapid cycling, which was accurately described as occurring after misdiagnosis.

Why can prescribing an antidepressant alone be problematic in individuals with bipolar disorder?

A. It has no effect on depressive symptoms
B. It increases anxiety but not mood changes
C. It can worsen or trigger manic symptoms
D. It permanently stabilizes mood

Correct Answer: C. With treatment, severe crashes can sometimes be reduced

Explanation (Clarification):
While mood shifts are common, effective treatment can reduce severity and frequency. A crash is not biologically inevitable in every case.

Which statement best clarifies the idea that “what comes up must come down” in bipolar disorder?

A. Every manic episode always leads to depression
B. Mood crashes are unavoidable despite treatment
C. With treatment, severe crashes can sometimes be reduced
D. Mania permanently eliminates depression

Correct Answer: B. Spending money and gambling excessively

Explanation:
During mania, individuals may engage in risky behaviors without recognizing their danger, such as overspending, gambling, or substance use.

Which behavior described in the passage reflects the danger of impaired insight during mania?

A. Using planners to organize thoughts
B. Spending money and gambling excessively
C. Taking medication at the same time daily
D. Avoiding social interaction

Correct Answer: C. Trauma or major stressors

Explanation:
Traumatic events, intense stress, lack of sleep, and life disruptions are well-known triggers for manic or depressive episodes and were clearly described.

Which factor is identified as a common trigger for mood episodes in bipolar disorder?

A. Stable daily routines
B. Physical exercise
C. Trauma or major stressors
D. Vitamin supplementation

Correct Answer: C. Trial-and-error process to find effective treatment

Explanation:
Finding the right medication combination often takes years of adjustments, requiring patience and trust in the treatment process.

What does the “medication dance” refer to in bipolar disorder management?

A. Switching medications daily
B. Avoiding medications entirely
C. Trial-and-error process to find effective treatment
D. Using only antidepressants

Correct Answer: B. It involves frequent shifts between mood states

Explanation:
Rapid cycling refers to frequent mood episodes, sometimes switching quickly between mania and depression, as described.

Which statement about rapid cycling is most accurate?

A. It only occurs in Bipolar I disorder
B. It involves frequent shifts between mood states
C. It means mood changes occur every hour
D. It eliminates depressive episodes

Correct Answer: C. They help externalize racing thoughts and maintain stability

Explanation:
Planning tools help manage racing thoughts, create routine, and provide structure—particularly useful during hypomanic or manic states.

Why are planners and structured routines helpful for some individuals with bipolar disorder?

A. They prevent the need for medication
B. They eliminate mood episodes
C. They help externalize racing thoughts and maintain stability
D. They increase manic energy

Correct Answer: C. Acceptance can coexist with fear of relapse

Explanation:
Individuals may accept bipolar disorder as part of their identity while still recognizing its challenges and uncertainty—this is not romanticizing the illness but integrating it realistically.

Which statement best reflects the nuanced view of identity and bipolar disorder expressed in the passage?

A. Bipolar disorder defines a person completely
B. People always want the disorder removed
C. Acceptance can coexist with fear of relapse
D. Stability means the illness is cured

Correct Answer: C. Consistency is critical for stability

Explanation:
Even missing one dose can lead to symptom return, emphasizing the importance of consistent medication use.

Which statement about medication adherence is most accurate?

A. Missing one dose has no effect
B. Medications only work short-term
C. Consistency is critical for stability
D. Vitamins alone are sufficient

Correct Answer: C. Personal safety and stabilization

Explanation:
Hospitalization is used during crises to prevent self-harm, stabilize mood, and adjust medications safely.

What does psychiatric hospitalization during a severe depressive episode primarily aim to ensure?

A. Faster academic recovery
B. Social isolation
C. Personal safety and stabilization
D. Permanent confinement

Correct Answer: B. People with mental illness are dangerous and belong in asylums

Explanation:
The passage highlights that mental illness is still often stereotyped as “crazy people locked in asylums,” which reflects persistent stigma rather than medical reality.

Which belief described in the passage best represents ongoing mental health stigma?

A. Bipolar disorder is rare and untreatable
B. People with mental illness are dangerous and belong in asylums
C. Medication always cures bipolar disorder
D. Bipolar disorder only affects mood, not behavior

Correct Answer: C. They lack access to affordable medication and support

Explanation:
The text emphasizes that cost, lack of insurance, and limited access to care can prevent treatment, worsening illness and contributing to homelessness.

According to the narrative, why do some individuals with bipolar disorder end up homeless?

A. They refuse treatment voluntarily
B. Bipolar disorder prevents employment in all cases
C. They lack access to affordable medication and support
D. Hospitalization causes long-term institutionalization

Correct Answer: C. Trusted relationships with open communication

Explanation:
Supportive relationships—where friends check in, understand warning signs, and communicate—are shown to be crucial for stability and safety.

Which factor is shown to be especially protective in managing bipolar disorder?

A. Avoiding disclosure to others
B. Strict independence during episodes
C. Trusted relationships with open communication
D. Eliminating emotional expression

Correct Answer: C. Risky behaviors feel reasonable at the time

Explanation:
A key danger of mania is lack of insight—behaviors such as overspending or substance use do not feel dangerous during the episode.

Why is mania described as particularly dangerous in the passage?

A. It causes permanent brain damage
B. Individuals recognize risk but ignore it
C. Risky behaviors feel reasonable at the time
D. It always results in legal trouble

Correct Answer: C. It helps both release excess energy and elevate mood

Explanation:
Exercise provides endorphins during depression and energy release during mania, making it a flexible, supportive coping strategy.

How does running help regulate mood in bipolar disorder according to the passage?

A. It replaces medication
B. It worsens manic symptoms
C. It helps both release excess energy and elevate mood
D. It prevents future episodes entirely

Correct Answer: C. It indicates severe manic symptoms

Explanation:
Going 7–8 days without sleep reflects severe mania, not normal stress or hypomania.

What is the clinical significance of going several days without sleep during mania?

A. It confirms hypomania rather than mania
B. It suggests normal stress response
C. It indicates severe manic symptoms
D. It is unrelated to mood episodes

Correct Answer: B. Symptoms existed but were not discussed

Explanation:
The passage notes that earlier generations often experienced depression or anxiety but did not talk about it, contributing to delayed recognition and stigma.

What does the passage suggest about mental illness across generations?

A. Mental illness did not exist in earlier generations
B. Symptoms existed but were not discussed
C. Genetics play no role
D. Older generations received better treatment

Correct Answer: C. It addresses a deficiency, not bipolar itself

Explanation:
Vitamin D supplementation addresses a physical deficiency, not bipolar disorder itself, and should not be confused with psychiatric treatment.

What is the role of vitamin D in the medication routine described?

A. It treats bipolar disorder directly
B. It replaces mood stabilizers
C. It addresses a deficiency, not bipolar itself
D. It prevents manic episodes

Correct Answer: C. Acceptance can coexist with fear and uncertainty

Explanation:
The speaker expresses acceptance of bipolar disorder as part of identity while still acknowledging fear of relapse, reflecting a realistic and nuanced view.

What nuanced position does the passage take regarding living with bipolar disorder?

A. The illness is entirely negative and should be erased
B. The illness defines a person completely
C. Acceptance can coexist with fear and uncertainty
D. Stability means the disorder is cured